Serie A - The 2007-08 season thread

HT Scores.... kaka scores 2!

HT Fiorentina 0 - 0 Empoli
HT Genoa 0 - 3 AC Milan
HT Inter Milan 1 - 0 Udinese
HT Napoli 0 - 0 Cagliari
HT Parma 2 - 2 Catania
HT Reggina 0 - 0 Atalanta
HT Siena 0 - 1 Sampdoria

The results for week 1

Fiorentina 3-1 Empoli
Genoa 0-3 Milan
Inter 1-1 Udinese
Juventus 5-1 Livorno
Lazio 2-2 Torino
Napoli 0-2 Cagliari
Palermo 0-2 Roma
Parma 2-2 Catania
Reggina 1-1 Atalanta
Siena 1-2 Sampdoria

The best game of next weeks fixtures is Milan vs Fiorentina, that will be something!!

Inter ratings:

Julio Cesar 4.2987
Maicon 5.5442
Cordoba 4.4951
Samuel 5.7204
Maxwell 5.4932
Stankovic 6.1109
Dacourt 5.3078
Zanetti 6.4455
Figo 6.5639
Ibrahimovic 7.3771
Cruz 4.2957
Toldo 6.1275
Chivu 5.6855
Suazo 4.5721

I am not surprised that Ibra, Figo and Zanetti got the best ratings for Inter players - they are the only ones who played at their level. Very impressed with Ibra's play today, even tho his "flair" was below his par... but his work rate was amazing, he was going for every ball, and helping the defence so many times... very impressive, great attitude Ibra.

Chivu gave a very mature confident display, for the little time he played. This was one good buy

Inter push Adriano to Parma
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massimo Moratti and Roberto Mancini have publicly encouraged Adriano to accept a loan move to Parma.

It was reported this week that the two clubs had reached an agreement, but the Inter striker turned it down, hoping to fight for his place at San Siro. “The loan would be the most intelligent solution for Adriano, who otherwise would sit here waiting,” noted President Moratti. “It is the option preferred both by us and the player, so we will try to take that road. We are not pressuring him, but we are studying together what is the best situation so that he can feel at ease and get back to his best.”

The Brazilian is now fifth in the pecking order at Inter, as proved by Mancini leaving him in the stands for both the Italian Super Cup and today’s Serie A opener with Udinese. “I know that Parma are interested, but I have not had a direct meeting with President Tommaso Ghirardi, so for the moment we have not reached any agreement,” added Moratti.

Coach Mancini has made it perfectly clear he does not want L’Imperatore cluttering up his choices and causing controversy. “Adriano is a champion who, for a while now, has had a few problems,” said Mancio. “I do not exclude his departure, because if he can resolve his issues by playing regularly without having to fight for a place, then it could be the best option for him and for us.” Other clubs are willing to take him on loan, including Valencia and Sven Goran Eriksson’s Manchester City. “The most important thing is that Adriano recovers and returns quickly to his best form, but we have been saying these words for a long time. We will see next week what will be the best course of action for him.”

Channel 5 are $h!t, it can't be that hard to find a commentator who can pronounce Quagliarella.

Murray wrote:Channel 5 are $h!t, it can't be that hard to find a commentator who can pronounce Quagliarella.

Serie A table: Juve on top, what were the odds??

Juventus 3
Milan 3
Fiorentina 3
Cagliari 3
Roma 3
Sampdoria 3
Catania 1
Lazio 1
Parma 1
Torino 1
Atalanta 1
Inter 1
Reggina 1
Udinese 1
Siena 0
Empoli 0
Genoa 0
Napoli 0
Palermo 0
Livorno 0

John Barnes is awful. Laura Esposto is so hawt, what a babe!

Great start to the season, some interesting results and plenty of goals.

Nice to see Inter drop 2 points ;P

Is it just me or does Laura Esposto talk like a bimbo? Don't know what she was doing on the show - just adding some glamour value I guess, at least she can pronounce the names right

Cudicini is good, but he is such a milanista!

@Bobo, I kinda agree with you after yesterday.... maybe Inter do need another midfielder... we are just not the same team when Cambiasso and Vieira are injured, and its not worth the risk. I thought that its unlikely that both of them will get injured together again after last season, but it happened yesterday Can't take that risk of it happening near a crucial CL KO game like last season...

I hope its someone young and defensively solid. Donadel or Nocerino would be ideal, but fiorentina/Juve are unlikely to sell. Maybe Motta.

bluenine wrote:@Bobo, I kinda agree with you after yesterday.... maybe Inter do need another midfielder... we are just not the same team when Cambiasso and Vieira are injured, and its not worth the risk. I thought that its unlikely that both of them will get injured together again after last season, but it happened yesterday Can't take that risk of it happening near a crucial CL KO game like last season...

I hope its someone young and defensively solid. Donadel or Nocerino would be ideal, but fiorentina/Juve are unlikely to sell. Maybe Motta.

Nocerino has been impressive in the Juve jersey so far. Juve would not let go of him. He has the makings of a very good MF in the times to come

That kid's got a future

Also from what I hear, Criscito did a creditable job as CB... that could work, for he is quite talented... infact I think even Chielini could make a decent CB, he is very Materazzi like...

TarunDang wrote:

bluenine wrote:@Bobo, I kinda agree with you after yesterday.... maybe Inter do need another midfielder... we are just not the same team when Cambiasso and Vieira are injured, and its not worth the risk. I thought that its unlikely that both of them will get injured together again after last season, but it happened yesterday Can't take that risk of it happening near a crucial CL KO game like last season...

I hope its someone young and defensively solid. Donadel or Nocerino would be ideal, but fiorentina/Juve are unlikely to sell. Maybe Motta.

Nocerino has been impressive in the Juve jersey so far. Juve would not let go of him. He has the makings of a very good MF in the times to come

Wonder goal by Montolivo! This kid only keeps getting better. Great game with Pazzini and Mutu also getting on the scoresheet. This was a perfect start. Vieri almost got one too. I have a good feeling about this season. Roma and Juventus will have to fight hard for their CL spots.

Next, the conquest of San Siro!

bluenine wrote:Serie A table: Juve on top, what were the odds??

Juventus 3
Milan 3
Fiorentina 3
Cagliari 3
Roma 3
Sampdoria 3
Catania 1
Lazio 1
Parma 1
Torino 1
Atalanta 1
Inter 1
Reggina 1
Udinese 1
Siena 0
Empoli 0
Genoa 0
Napoli 0
Palermo 0
Livorno 0

Keep off your greedy hands, Blue. Donadel's present and future is viola.

bluenine wrote:@Bobo, I kinda agree with you after yesterday.... maybe Inter do need another midfielder... we are just not the same team when Cambiasso and Vieira are injured, and its not worth the risk. I thought that its unlikely that both of them will get injured together again after last season, but it happened yesterday Can't take that risk of it happening near a crucial CL KO game like last season...

I hope its someone young and defensively solid. Donadel or Nocerino would be ideal, but fiorentina/Juve are unlikely to sell. Maybe Motta.

Yeah, its gonna be close for the CL... don't count Palermo out yet, they could give anyone a fright once Amauri finds form, with support from Miccoli and Cavani.

A 6 horse race, is it possible??

Gigliati wrote:Wonder goal by Montolivo! This kid only keeps getting better. Great game with Pazzini and Mutu also getting on the scoresheet. This was a perfect start. Vieri almost got one too. I have a good feeling about this season. Roma and Juventus will have to fight hard for their CL spots.

Next, the conquest of San Siro!

bluenine wrote:Is it just me or does Laura Esposto talk like a bimbo? Don't know what she was doing on the show - just adding some glamour value I guess, at least she can pronounce the names right

Cudicini is good, but he is such a milanista!

Yes she does and she is only on the show to be a bit of eye candy.

---------------------------

Monday 27 August

Gazzetta dello Sport
A flying start, except for Inter - After Juve's big win, Milan, Fiorentina and Roma impress
Ferrari strike a double blow: Massa reopens the race with Raikkonen and Alonso on the podium

Corriere dello Sport
It's the Milan and Roma show - Ambrosini starts and Kaka finishes at Genoa while Mexes and Aquilani see off Palermo
Inter falter, but bring in Pele': Adriano on his way as young talent arrives

Tuttosport
Juve fly, Inter sweat - Milan and Roma respond to Bianoconeri win, but Inter are held at home
Toro talk to Recoba: Here comes the offer
Baldini and Di Carlo - Fight is a calcio scandal

Serie A Team Of The Week: Round 1

Goal.com provides a brief list of those who deserved a place in the sun after the Serie A Round 1 action. As every week there were more players who deserved a place than places available...

Doni (Roma): The Giallorossi can definitely count on the Brazilian goalkeeper who has come a long way since his arrival in the Italian Serie A league.

Nesta (Milan): Great performance by the central defender who was practically perfect. Donadoni will surely miss him against France.

Zapata (Udinese): If Inter failed to score a second goal against the Friulani, it was mostly due to Zapata’s brilliant defending. How come none of the big teams were after him this summer?

Mexes (Roma): With a Mexes like this, who needs Chivu? Defends well and scores often. Spalletti has no problems in defence.

Panucci (Roma): Despite the age, he still performing at his best and few can argue his qualities in the defensive phase. Maybe he can prove useful against France.

Rosina (Torino): What a goal to kick-off the new Serie A season! That is the reason why they call him ‘Rosinaldo’.

Kaka` (Milan): Started the season which will lead him to the Golden Ball award with a brace. He has become a true leader of the team and can bring more silverware to the Rossoneri.

Aquilani (Roma): Great start to the season for what can become one of Europe’s best midfielders if he keeps up the good work.

Iaquinta (Juventus): Came in as a substitute in the last half hour and helped the Bianconeri score 4 goals, including his own persona brace.

Trezeguet (Juventus): No wonder the Bianconeri wanted to hold on to him at all cost this past summer. A goal machine who will prove vital for the Old Lady’s return to Serie A.

Morimoto (Catania): The 19-year-old has been compared to Ronaldo in Japan and after Sunday’s goal, few will doubt his qualities. He also set up Baiocco for Catania’s second goal.

Best solution for everyone. It will be sad to see you go, El Chino. Best of luck to you, and you can still do us a favour in the derby

Alvaro Recoba Set For Torino Switch?

Italian daily La Stampa claims that Alvaro Recoba may finally be on the way out of the San Siro, with a move to Torino imminent - providing the player can agree terms... Torino president Urbano Cairo has today confirmed that 'Toro' are still in the hunt for out-of-favour Inter forward Alvaro Recoba.

"El Chino" seems set to leave the San Siro after ten years at Inter, with Walter Novellino's side set to make a swoop for the Uruguayan forward. The 31 year old striker would thus reunite with the man he left behind at Venezia in 1999 after concluding a loan spell. President Cairo confirmed his club's interest, before adding that this wouldn't present any problems with the squad dynamic.

"First, to add a player of great quality would not be a bad thing at all. Second, I disagree that the arrival of Recoba would cause any problems in the dressing room," he said. Inter supremo Moratti had earlier confirmed that it would be better for Recoba to seek a club that would give him "continuity" on the pitch, while coach Mancini is said to be amenable to his departure. The Montevideo-born player has played over 175 Serie A games for the nerazzurri.

He'll never leave Inter!

Kaka` (Milan): Started the season which will lead him to the Golden Ball award with a brace. He has become a true leader of the team and can bring more silverware to the Rossoneri.

True. Criscito & Noceriono are definite future material. Criscito sure did a good job in the center considering Grygera & Birindelli were unfit for the game. He should now be getting more time on the pitch along with Andrade.
Cheillini, I think makes a better LB than a CB. He is good at going forward as well & that gives us a certain bit of width & speed. And with him & Grygera as LB & RB, would give the Juve defence the much needed balance it seems to be lacking now.

bluenine wrote:That kid's got a future

Also from what I hear, Criscito did a creditable job as CB... that could work, for he is quite talented... infact I think even Chielini could make a decent CB, he is very Materazzi like...

TarunDang wrote:

bluenine wrote:@Bobo, I kinda agree with you after yesterday.... maybe Inter do need another midfielder... we are just not the same team when Cambiasso and Vieira are injured, and its not worth the risk. I thought that its unlikely that both of them will get injured together again after last season, but it happened yesterday Can't take that risk of it happening near a crucial CL KO game like last season...

I hope its someone young and defensively solid. Donadel or Nocerino would be ideal, but fiorentina/Juve are unlikely to sell. Maybe Motta.

Nocerino has been impressive in the Juve jersey so far. Juve would not let go of him. He has the makings of a very good MF in the times to come

Why the fcuk are we playing this after the season has started?? I hope Mancio starts with extras, the main team need to be well rested for the weekend!!


Barcelona Gearing Up For Inter Test

What looked set to be a celebration of a game against Inter Milan has now become a massive test for Barcelona. Barcelona's 0-0 draw against Racing Santander in their La Liga opener has sent the Catalan press wild. The media seem to have carried on from where they left off following those two disastrous and late home draws against Real Betis and Espanyol towards the end of last season. The mood in the camp looked fairly relaxed during training this morning, but there is no doubting the fact that the Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Inter Milan tomorrow is now a must win game, particularly in front of home fans disconsolate over the display against Racing.

Inter themselves come in with a point to prove after dropping points to Udinese, but thankfully for them, there is no panic back home. They will be able to approach this game much more calmly. An interesting anecdote could be the possible presence of Luis Figo, who has never been welcomed at the Camp Nou since forcing a move to Real Madrid, now over seven years ago.

The Portuguese veteran is carrying a slight injury, and isunlikely to feature at the moment. The suggestions are that he is not too keen on featuring either. It might just turn out to be best for everyone, as it is something that can turn a carnival atmosphere inside the Camp Nou into a much more serious one. Coming back to Barcelona, the message from the fans and the media is clear: they do not want to see a friendly stroll, but a fighting performance that inspires belief.

Make sure the bastard Figo starts

I hope he doesn't travel, I rather ve him retsed for the Serie A game this weekend... I have no interest in the result of an useless friendly game during the season!!

kas wrote:Make sure the bastard Figo starts

I think our squad is complete now, with Adriano, Cesar A, Coco and Recoba set to leave (hopefully).

-------------------Cesar
Maicon - Cordoba - Materazzi - Chivu
Figo - Cambiasso - Vieira - Stankovic
--------Ibrahimovic - Crespo

-------------------Toldo
Zanetti - Burdisso - Samuel - Maxwell
Jimenez - Dacourt - Pele' - Solari
------------Suazo - Cruz

Others: Alfonso, Orlandoni, Rivas, Maaroufi*, Filkor*, Slavkovski*, Balotelli*

*youth team players.

Maicon over Zanetti in the first choice line-up?

bluenine wrote:I think our squad is complete now, with Adriano, Cesar A, Coco and Recoba set to leave (hopefully).

-------------------Cesar
Maicon - Cordoba - Materazzi - Chivu
Figo - Cambiasso - Vieira - Stankovic
--------Ibrahimovic - Crespo

-------------------Toldo
Zanetti - Burdisso - Samuel - Maxwell
Jimenez - Dacourt - Pele' - Solari
------------Suazo - Cruz

Others: Alfonso, Orlandoni, Rivas, Maaroufi*, Filkor*, Slavkovski*, Balotelli*

*youth team players.

Yeah, Maicon has taken over Zanetti as the first choice RB. Its mainly coz Macion is equally good at RB, and Zanetti can play so well in other positions as well.

Don't get me wrong, Zanetti will probably play more games than any other player this season (as usual), coz he will be used to rotate RB, LB, RW, & LW!!! So I expect Zanetti to start every game, when fit. And he is almost always fit!! he has started 543 competitive games for Inter in 12 seasons, thats an average of over 45 games per season!!!! Its fucking unbelievable!!! A true legend. I read somewhere that he has been MOTM for Inter in more games than anyone in our history - and I'm not surprised.

TarunDang wrote:Maicon over Zanetti in the first choice line-up?

bluenine wrote:I think our squad is complete now, with Adriano, Cesar A, Coco and Recoba set to leave (hopefully).

-------------------Cesar
Maicon - Cordoba - Materazzi - Chivu
Figo - Cambiasso - Vieira - Stankovic
--------Ibrahimovic - Crespo

-------------------Toldo
Zanetti - Burdisso - Samuel - Maxwell
Jimenez - Dacourt - Pele' - Solari
------------Suazo - Cruz

Others: Alfonso, Orlandoni, Rivas, Maaroufi*, Filkor*, Slavkovski*, Balotelli*

*youth team players.

Why I was surprised is because he has such an inspirational presence on the pitch apart from being a versatile defender. In fact I have seen him unleash some very stinging shots as attempts on goal. But I must admit that I have not seen much of Maicon though, so I cannot compare

bluenine wrote:Yeah, Maicon has taken over Zanetti as the first choice RB. Its mainly coz Macion is equally good at RB, and Zanetti can play so well in other positions as well.

Don't get me wrong, Zanetti will probably play more games than any other player this season (as usual), coz he will be used to rotate RB, LB, RW, & LW!!! So I expect Zanetti to start every game, when fit. And he is almost always fit!! he has started 543 competitive games for Inter in 12 seasons, thats an average of over 45 games per season!!!! Its fucking unbelievable!!! A true legend. I read somewhere that he has been MOTM for Inter in more games than anyone in our history - and I'm not surprised.

TarunDang wrote:Maicon over Zanetti in the first choice line-up?

bluenine wrote:I think our squad is complete now, with Adriano, Cesar A, Coco and Recoba set to leave (hopefully).

-------------------Cesar
Maicon - Cordoba - Materazzi - Chivu
Figo - Cambiasso - Vieira - Stankovic
--------Ibrahimovic - Crespo

-------------------Toldo
Zanetti - Burdisso - Samuel - Maxwell
Jimenez - Dacourt - Pele' - Solari
------------Suazo - Cruz

Others: Alfonso, Orlandoni, Rivas, Maaroufi*, Filkor*, Slavkovski*, Balotelli*

*youth team players.

Exactly, thats why he will start more games than anyone else, like every other season. His trademark runs are legendary for any Inter fan.

But Maicon will start more games as RB than Zanetti, thats for sure. Zanetti's versatility is one of the biggest reasons for our impressive season last year, he was used in 5 different poritions and started 51 games... and was awesome in each role!! But I prefer him best as RW playing ahead of Maicon - they have a perfect understanding, and keeping switching roles, which is so much fun to watch!

TarunDang wrote:Why I was surprised is because he has such an inspirational presence on the pitch apart from being a versatile defender. In fact I have seen him unleash some very stinging shots as attempts on goal. But I must admit that I have not seen much of Maicon though, so I cannot compare

bluenine wrote:Yeah, Maicon has taken over Zanetti as the first choice RB. Its mainly coz Macion is equally good at RB, and Zanetti can play so well in other positions as well.

Don't get me wrong, Zanetti will probably play more games than any other player this season (as usual), coz he will be used to rotate RB, LB, RW, & LW!!! So I expect Zanetti to start every game, when fit. And he is almost always fit!! he has started 543 competitive games for Inter in 12 seasons, thats an average of over 45 games per season!!!! Its fucking unbelievable!!! A true legend. I read somewhere that he has been MOTM for Inter in more games than anyone in our history - and I'm not surprised.

TarunDang wrote:Maicon over Zanetti in the first choice line-up?

bluenine wrote:I think our squad is complete now, with Adriano, Cesar A, Coco and Recoba set to leave (hopefully).

-------------------Cesar
Maicon - Cordoba - Materazzi - Chivu
Figo - Cambiasso - Vieira - Stankovic
--------Ibrahimovic - Crespo

-------------------Toldo
Zanetti - Burdisso - Samuel - Maxwell
Jimenez - Dacourt - Pele' - Solari
------------Suazo - Cruz

Others: Alfonso, Orlandoni, Rivas, Maaroufi*, Filkor*, Slavkovski*, Balotelli*

*youth team players.

Why??? Don't the gigliati have enuf kids already???

Fiorentina Chasing Palladino

The Viola want the Juventus forward and are ready to pay 10 million Euros for the services of the young Italian attacker. The Director of Sports of Fiorentina, Pantaleo Corvino, is trying to make one more important transfer for his team as the Tuscan club is trying to sign Raffaele Palladino from Juventus. The Bianconeri's player is currently not finding too much space in the Old Lady's squad, with Iaquinta, Del Piero and Trezeguet all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Earlier in summer Juventus had declared that Palladino is not for sale and the Bianconeri stopped from trying to sign Giuseppe Rossi in order to focus on their own player for the future. According to sources close to the Viola, the offer is of about 10 million Euros, and even though the Bianconeri have rejected the initial offer, the Turin based club might be tempted to let their young forward leave for that amount.